The FBI has announced the arrest of a suspect linked to the pipe bombs planted before the January 6 riots in 2021.
New details have emerged from the FBI regarding the investigation into the pipe bombs found outside the Republican and Democratic national headquarters. Despite offering a $500,000 reward, the authorities did not receive any new tips that led to this arrest.
Officials revealed that the bombs were placed on the night of January 5, 2021, but were not discovered until the afternoon of January 6. The suspect’s cellphone records reportedly placed them near the locations when the bombs were planted.
Fortunately, the bombs were safely deactivated without any explosion when they were found on January 6.
The US Attorney General Pam Bondi stated that Brian Cole Jr, 30, was arrested without incident on Thursday (December 4) in connection with the crime.
Cole is charged with using an explosive device and attempted malicious destruction using explosive materials. The motive for planting the pipe bombs remains unclear.
On Instagram, the FBI shared a statement from the bureau’s director, Kash Patel, following the arrest.
He commented: “The investigation into the pipe bombs in Washington, D.C. has been a high priority since Deputy Director Bongino and I assumed our roles nine months ago.
“Since that time, our FBI teams have gone back over every fact and every data point looking for new leads and today’s arrest is the result of that outstanding work.
“Although almost five years have passed, this shows the FBI will never rest in bringing justice to those who endanger American lives and our communities.
“I would like to thank our Washington Field Office, FBI personnel across the country, and our partners for their hard work and dedication which led to this arrest.”
According to the criminal affidavit against Cole, reviewed by the BBC, authorities identified Cole using banking records and the aforementioned cellphone data.
The authorities claim that Cole had purchased materials for making pipe bombs in 2019 and 2020.
Cole’s vehicle, a 2017 Nissan Sentra with a Virginia license plate, was recorded by a license plate reader less than half a mile from where the individual who placed the devices was first seen.
US Attorney Jeanine Pirro addressed the media, highlighting the complexity of the investigation. She pointed out that the pipe bombs were constructed using end caps, and noted there were 233,000 black end caps similar to those involved in the case.
She stated: “It was like finding a needle in a haystack. I want you to think about the fact that the FBI had to go through the sale of every one of them.”